India's Ministry of Power Releases Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 with Ambitious Energy Targets
India's Ministry of Power has released the draft National Electricity Policy 2026, which sets ambitious targets to increase per capita electricity consumption and aims for a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030. The policy includes provisions for annual tariff revisions, exemptions for certain sectors, and a significant focus on renewable energy, energy storage, and nuclear power expansion. Stakeholder feedback is being sought to align the initiative with the government's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

The Ministry of Power in India has unveiled the draft National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026, proposing annual tariff revisions linked to an index, exemptions for manufacturing and railways from cross-subsidies, and a focus on renewable energy expansion. The policy aims to increase per capita electricity consumption from 1,460 kWh in 2024-25 to 2,000 kWh by 2030 and over 4,000 kWh by 2047, aligning with climate commitments of a 45% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.
Key interventions include resource adequacy planning by distribution companies (DISCOMs), market-based renewable capacity addition, and improved regulatory frameworks to prevent market dominance. The draft also supports energy storage deployment, nuclear power expansion to 100 GW by 2047, and emphasizes the need for advanced grid technologies and cybersecurity measures. Stakeholder feedback is being invited as the policy seeks to transform the power sector in line with the government's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.




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